How to stay physically active during and after cancer treatment? Long term follow-up of an exercise intervention and feasibility of a tailored digital app to support physical activity

INTRODUCTION More knowledge is needed about effective behaviour change strategies to promote physical activity in cancer survivors.

In addition, feasible e-health interventions to support physical activity, tailored to individual characteristics of the user and including effective behavioral strategies need to be further developed.AIMS1) To study the effect of behaviour change support on physical activity maintenance in cancer survivors, in detail explore variation in physical activity and its determinants during and after an exercise intervention, and 2) to assess the feasibility of a digital app, co-designed with patient representatives, to support physical activity.METHODSFor aim 1) longitudinal data, already collected from a randomised exercise RCT with specific focus on the effects of behavior change support including almost 600 cancer survivors.

Physical activity levels by activity monitors, and questionnaire data up to 5-years follow-up.

Multivariate analysis.For aim 2) app data (typed in by users, n=1800), questionnaire data (n=1000) and qualitative interview data (n=30) to explore feasibility in terms of usability and usefulness of the provided functions.

Descriptive and qualitative analyses.SIGNIFICANCEThe results will generate vital knowledge about how to promote long-term physical activity in the growing population of cancer survivors. This knowledge is of significance for individual patients, their families, healthcare and society as a whole.